The San Clemente High School Dance Team is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, marking a major milestone in the program’s legacy. Under the leadership of new head coach Kiki Galpin, the team continues to uphold its traditions while striving for excellence in competition and strengthening their sense of community. The dancers are more than just athletes; they are a close-knit group working toward a common goal while representing their school with pride.
“It’s been good. It’s been crazy, but in a good way,” Galpin said about stepping into the role. “I’ve been learning a lot—pretty much every single day. The team has taught me so much about patience, organization, and how to tailor my coaching to both their general and individual needs.”
As the team prepares for the USA Dance Nationals in Anaheim later this month, the team members have taken on a rigorous training schedule. With long rehearsals, additional weekend practices, and conditioning sessions, they are pushing themselves to their limits.
“We’re doing a lot. It’s a lot of long rehearsals, a lot of difficult rehearsals,” Galpin said. “We’re bringing in choreographers to fine-tune our routines, adding difficulty and technique to ensure we are as prepared as possible. It’s exhausting, but the team is committed.”
Senior Reagan Vail reflected on the demanding yet rewarding aspects of preparing for Nationals.
“I think the most challenging and rewarding part is all the work we have to put into it,” Vail said. “We put in so much effort, day after day, and you don’t always see the results right away. But at Nationals, when you put it all out on the floor, it’s so rewarding to see how everything pays off.”
Sophomore Brinkley Cheo echoed those sentiments, adding that the dedication of her teammates motivates her to push harder.
“Personally, I think the biggest challenge was the practice schedule. Everyone was so committed and working so hard, and it really challenged me to try my best,” Cheo said. “But the reward has been the team bonding. Getting to connect with every single person has been so fulfilling, and when all of our hard work finally pays off in competitions, it’s an amazing feeling.”
Galpin has been impressed by the team’s resilience. She recalled a competition where each performance was stronger than the last, with the dancers overcoming obstacles and putting on their best routines.
“At one of our competitions, every dance just kept getting better and better,” she said. “My assistant and I were literally jumping on the side of the floor because we were so proud. They just stepped up and gave it their all, despite any pain or challenges they were facing.”
Beyond competition, the team is also focused on preserving its rich traditions. Alumni remain engaged with the program, often returning to attend practices, provide mentorship, and even teach classes.
“It’s such an honor,” Galpin said about leading the team during this historic season. “The alumni are so excited to come back. Some of them text us about coming to watch a practice, attending Nationals to cheer us on, or even giving positive reinforcement to the dancers. It’s important that they still feel heard and know their time with the team was valuable.”
Vail appreciates being part of a program with such a strong history. “I feel like it’s so cool knowing that even though I’m on this team for only four years, it has a legacy much longer than that,” she said. “Knowing I can leave an impact in any way on these girls’ lives or on the team itself is really special.”
Cheo shares that excitement. “I feel so honored, especially coming in as a sophomore. I felt like I was so behind, and just being a part of this team and having this opportunity has been so amazing to me,” she said. “I’ve cherished every single moment with my team.”
One of the highlights of the year is the annual Spring Concert, scheduled for May 17-18.
“Our Spring Concert is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” Galpin said. “It’s just kind of a bow to the year—to tie it up in a pretty bow, celebrate our victories, and invite other groups from the dance community to join us. It’s a way to say thank you to parents, families, and alumni for their continued support.”
Beyond competition and performances, being part of the dance team teaches students valuable life skills.
“I think (the) dance team is a great way to learn about organization and time management while also having dance as a creative outlet,” Galpin said. “You learn how to work with people, how to communicate, how to represent your community, and just be the best person you can be.”
What sets this year’s team apart is their ability to balance hard work with enjoyment.
“They really don’t take themselves too seriously,” Galpin said. “They are very passionate about their craft, but at the same time, they love to laugh and have fun. In our musical theater routines, they embrace quirky hairstyles and playful ad-libs, really bringing their characters to life. They just love to have a good time while working hard.”
Looking ahead, Galpin hopes to continue growing the program while maintaining the team’s strong foundation.
“Of course, I’d love to do well at Nationals,” she said. “But more importantly, I want dancers who want to work hard, have fun, and grow the program. I’d love to have a bigger program and just really continue to work hard while enjoying the process.”
With their dedication, energy, and passion for their craft, the San Clemente High School Dance Team is poised for an unforgettable year.
In 2023, the San Clemente Dance Team won a national title at the United Spirit Association Dance Nationals in the Novelty and Musical Theater division.